If you own a feline, you may be familiar with this puzzling scenario. You're giving your cat some love and attention, gently stroking it's back or head, when suddenly it lashes out and attempts to bite or scratch you. This behavior can be confusing, but it's not without reason.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, some pet owners may think that if their cat comes over and nudges them or climbs on their lap, they are asking to be stroked. This may not always be the case - cats may want to be close to you, but not necessarily petted. Keep an eye out for subtle body language that may indicate they don't want physical attention, such as tail twitching or a flattening of the ears against the head.

There are other reasons feline companions may seem agitated by physical touching. VCA reports that cats with skin conditions, dental disease or metabolic conditions may display this type of behavior. If a pet owner is concerned that their cat is suffering from one of these issues, it's best to take the feline to a veterinary hospital where a professional can diagnose the problem.

HOW TO REACH US

VCA Animal Medical Center

Phone: 603-436-4922

Fax: 603-427-2845

1550 Woodbury Avenue

Portsmouth,
NH03801

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Fri 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sat-Sun 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

We offer a Preventative Care Clinic on Wednesdays from 11am-3pm: receive 50% off of all vaccines with the purchase of an exam!

Emergency

In case of emergency during normal business hours, please call us immediately at 603-436-4922. If you have an emergency outside of our normal business hours, please contact the local emergency animal hospital below:

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.